Dave and Diane Mehl have been members of the Persimmon Ridge community since 1999. Celebrating 60 years of marriage in 2023, their lives have been filled with rewarding jobs, family, children, grandchildren, and a love of music. 

Dave Mehl, originally from Big Rapids Michigan, is a second generation musician. His father set the pace with a resume that included playing piano, violin and first chair tuba player for the Navy band. He performed with a Barbershop Band and directed a choir to entertain the Central Michigan area. All the Mehl children played something. Both sisters played the piano, and three brothers played brass instruments. Dave met Diane, who is originally from Maryland, while working for GE and Diane was completing a nursing degree from Virginia Baptist Hospital School of Nursing. The couple married and Diane added her love of music and voice to Dave’s family of musicians. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary last year on November 9th. 

Thanks to his dad, Dave began formal music lessons in third grade. He started with the piano and by the 6th grade he was playing the trumpet in the highschool marching band.  Dave describes his early development: “my dad recognized my natural abilities and encouraged me to start my musical training at an early age. Music came easy to me. I always had a “musical ear,” Plus, my whole family including Diane shared the enjoyment of bringing music to other people.” 

After retiring from GE Sales and Marketing and Dealer Sales Development, Dave’s full time focus is his music. Dave plays the trumpet, the flugelhorn, bongos among others. Dave expanded his performance platforms to include a variety of groups who played his favorites: the sounds of big bands, standard oldies, to good arrangements of new music. Dave is a twenty-five year member of the Oldham County Community Band, participates with the Wednesday night Rehearsal Band, a place for interested musicians to play Big Band Charts. In addition, Dave leads a big band that plays the first Monday of every month at King Fish on the River, The Swing Street Big Band.

That 18 piece band, complete with a lead vocalist, has a huge following of young and old. The first set always ends with the ever popular “Sing, Sing, Sing” known for its drum solo. The last song of the night is “In The Mood”. Diane is typically there, sitting at the table reserved for the band, handing out drinks and splitting up the tips for all the members. Dave enjoys bringing music to others and the satisfaction of contributing to an ensemble. 

If you enjoy the music of Tony Bennett, Rosemary Clooney, Elvis along with the modern sounds of Michael Bublé and trumpet player Chris Botti, perhaps a concert and dinner at King Fish is for you. You’ll be greeted by your PR neighbors!